Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 28:4

"and for fear of him the watchers did quake, and became as dead men." — Matthew 28:4 (ASV)

And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

First a tremor of fear, and then a stiffening of fright, fell upon them, for they had never seen such a sight as this before. They were Roman soldiers, who knew nothing of the meaning of cowardice; yet at the sight of this messenger of God, the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.